Inspiration/Revelation: What It Is and How It Works
Chapter 3—The Jemison Model of Relationship
The late T. H. Jemison, in a work that for decades was the standard Seventh-day Adventist college textbook for prophetic guidance, devotes an entire chapter to “The Ellen G. White Writings and the Bible” in A Prophet Among You. IRWHW 78.3
Quoting extensively from Ellen White’s own words, chiefly in the chapter “The Nature and Influence of the ‘Testimonies,’” 36 Jemison shows that Mrs. White saw her writings as fulfilling eight functions, which could readily be subsumed under three categories: IRWHW 78.4
A. To Direct Attention to the Bible:
1. To exalt the Bible.
2. To attract minds to the Bible.
3. To call attention to neglected truths.
B. To Aid in Understanding the Bible:
4. To further impress truths already revealed.
5. To awaken minds.
6. To simplify truths.
C. To Help in Applying Bible Principles in Our Lives:
7. To bring out principles and help apply them.
8. To instruct in details. 37
Jemison’s concluding paragraph in this chapter is especially instructive. After posing the question, what is meant by such Ellen White expressions as “additional truth is not brought out” 38 and “the written testimonies are not to give new light” 39 and “are there no descriptions given and details enumerated in the Ellen White books that are not mentioned in the Bible?” Jemison responds: IRWHW 78.5
Certainly, or there would be little purpose in the giving of these messages. Are these not “additional truth” and “new light”? Not at all. The writings introduce no new topic, no new revelation, no new doctrine. They simply give additional details and round out subjects already a part of the Scripture record. The whole realm of spiritual truth is encompassed by the Bible. There is no need for more to be added. But further details, incidents, and applications made in these modern writings lead to keener perception and deeper understanding of the truth already revealed. 40